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My engine stalls at low RPM - idle

Tiny
YUNG SCDAMACC
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
So I recently used a complete fuel system cleaner and my truck started sputtering and stalled out a couple times on the freeway. Since I have changed mass air flow and fuel filter.
Thursday, February 14th, 2019 AT 7:49 PM

31 Replies

Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

This definitely sounds a fuel system problem. I have included in the diagrams below a step by step troubleshooting guide for tracking down fuel system problems. Please go through it and let us know what you find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Thursday, February 14th, 2019 AT 8:16 PM
Tiny
YUNG SCDAMACC
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thanks, I will try this tomorrow and get back to you. I am pretty sure the fuel pump is good. The truck will idle for hours with no problems. It is when it is shifted into drive or reverse and I hit the pedal that it gives me problems. I am hoping it is just a leaking injector.
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Thursday, February 14th, 2019 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

I have a question for you. Is your Malfunction Indicator Lamp(MIL) or "Check Engine" light on?

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Thursday, February 14th, 2019 AT 9:27 PM
Tiny
YUNG SCDAMACC
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
It was, but the only codes it gave were for a MAF. Knock sensor vow volts. MAF is brand new. Just changed. And I am doing the spark plugs. Fuel pressure regulator and thermostat this weekend. That is when I am going to check the fuel rail and injectors. I know the MAF will cause sputtering if bad, but can a knock sensor do the same?
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Friday, February 15th, 2019 AT 5:06 AM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

Usually a knock sensor is used by the Power-train Control Module (PCM) a.K.A. "computer" to detect engine detonation, or "knock". This is very bad for an engine and comes about when your air fuel charge spontaneously combust without the spark plug igniting it. This can happen for a few reasons, but we will save that for another day. This ignition event happens when the piston is still traveling upwards on it's compression stroke and it literally slaps the piston, creating a loud noise that sounds like a knock. The knock sensor alerts the PCM of knock and the PCM will retard the ignition timing, thus pulling the cylinder away from detonation. This, probably is not causing your vehicles issues. The Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor on the other hand could cause all of your vehicle's problems. It measures all the air that engine is ingesting and along with the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor and provides this information to the PCM. The PCM uses this information to know how much fuel to add to the air for it's base line air;fuel ratio. What was the exact Direct Trouble Code (DTC) or "code" please? We can go from there.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Friday, February 15th, 2019 AT 6:07 AM
Tiny
YUNG SCDAMACC
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Sorry I was at work earlier. The codes it gave were. P0102 (maf) u1301 data link hugh voltage bus shorted to battery. P0108 (map sensor) p0131 heated o2. And p0128 thermostat. I just bought both upstream o2. New thermostat. New spark plugs. I just changed the mass air and fuel filter. And cleaned the throttle body.
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Friday, February 15th, 2019 AT 6:16 PM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

No problem about work. Okay let's take a look and see what we got going here. Ok, I have included in the diagrams below a step by step troubleshooting diagnostic guide from the vehicles manufacture for DTC P0102. Please go through it and let me know what you find out. I have the same thing for all the other DTC's on your list, but I don't want to overwhelm you. We will go one at a time. Let us know what you find out.

Thanks,
Alex
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Saturday, February 16th, 2019 AT 12:21 AM
Tiny
YUNG SCDAMACC
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Okay. So I changed spark plugs. Wires. Seems to be running better. Just when I turn the wheel to the left truck completely shuts off. Could this have been the problem in the first place?
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Saturday, February 16th, 2019 AT 2:01 PM
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello again,

Okay. I have included the diagnostics for the next code, which I believe to be the problem, DTC U1301. Please go through it and let me know what you find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Sunday, February 17th, 2019 AT 1:25 PM
Tiny
TNCAJUNNUKE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 142,000 MILES
Hey Guys, love the website. I have a 2003 CHevy Tahoe 5.3 Z Flex Fuel. Troube began with a CEL/SES light. Few days later Tahoe started idling rough, varying idle speed, and on cold start may die if left idling during warm up. On a cold start, I also notice occasional knock in the engine, and if I slightly rev engine or place in drive before waiting for engine to warm up, it is VERY apparent. At first, it would idle better after warm up, but now it idles rough regardless, however, the knock does go away after it is warmed up. Only codes it spit out are P0174, and P0171 bank 1 and 2 lean. I cleaned the MAF sensor, and didn't notice a significant change at all. Should I go after new MAF, new O2 sensors? Thanks for your help.

Shayne J. Benoit
Spring Cityl, Tennessee
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 9:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Start by checking for vacuum leaks that would allow extra air into the intake system (thus a lean mixture) Also, I would check the ambient temp sensor. If it is telling the computer it is warmer than it actually is, that will cause a lean mixture too. Usually when an O2 sensor or MAF is bad, they set their own code.

Let me know what you find.
Joe
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 9:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TNCAJUNNUKE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Joe,

Any more specifics on the ambient temp sensor as far as location on viehicle. There is one in grill, but I think it feeds the rear view mirror thermometer.
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 9:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TNCAJUNNUKE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Could the ambient temp sensor also be called the Air Change Temperature Sensor?
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 9:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
See if this helps and let me know.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/249084_yo_4.jpg

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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 9:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TNCAJUNNUKE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
FYI,

I discovered that the IAT (Intake Air Temperature) sensor I inquired about is integrated into the Mass Air Flow sensor on many Chevy's. The harness on the MAF has a Black and Tan wire that attaches to the IAT sensor. If this has failed, JET has a Intake Air Temperature Sensor Relocation Kit 61635 for 2003 Chevy Tahoe


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/458641_IAT_KIT__616351_1.jpg


equipped with a Mass Air Flow Sensor that has a Integral Intake Air Temperature Sensor. The Intake Air Temperature Sensor is a negative coefficient (NTC) thermistor that is used to sense air entering the engine. The computer utlizes the IAT to adjust the air/fuel ratio in accordance with air density. It's also used to modify spark advancement and acceleration enrichment. This kit allows the IAT to be relocated away from the hot engine compartment so the computer can get a more accurate reading of ambient air temperature thus improving
performance.
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 9:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
NURSEDENAB
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 85,000 MILES
My tahoe was parked for six weeks while out of town. When attempting to start it. It cranks and runs for a few seconds then stops. Battery is ok. Fuel filter was changed about three months ago. I have had no problems in the past with the car having any trouble starting on the first try. Some tell me it might be the fuel pump however fuel is present when checking the injector. Any ideas.
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 9:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Test the fuel pressure confirm it whether its within specifications, then test the coolant temperature sensor and idle air control valve and throttle actuator control. This is common when you have a vacuum leak or the throttle bore needs to be serviced here are three guides to go over when fixing the problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 9:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
NATHANSINGLETARY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • 125,000 MILES
Ive changed my fuel pump and filter. When I crank truck it will crank and run for about a second and shuts off. I have not check engine light on. When it cranks it sounds normal, no jerking or spudering. Doesnt sound like its misfiring.
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 9:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DRCRANKNWRENCH
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,380 POSTS
You may have a short or some melted wires. Also you should check battery cables for clean metal to metal corrosion free fit.
I am giving you some diagnostic walk throughs to get you started and they are very helpful. Advance Auto or Auto Zone will test just about anything, pull codes for free and loan you test and specialty tools. Just use the links below;

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 9:45 AM (Merged)
Tiny
NATHANSINGLETARY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I dont have a check engine light on. Can I pull codes with out light on? My battery died and the truck sat for 3 weeks before I got a new one once I replaced it has not ran since. I had no problems before that. My battery went died because I left my lights on and it was an old battery. If wires were melted which ones or were should I start looking? Also someone told mee it could be my crankshaft position sensor. If so would check engine light come on? Or if distributor was bad?
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Thursday, July 1st, 2021 AT 9:45 AM (Merged)

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